Problem with Expobar Office Control

[scrawny]

So I've decided to upgrade from ye ol faithful Sunbeam EM6910 to an Expobar Office Control (I like to push buttons) and I received it yesterday. After following the instructions for a first start I flushed water through the hot water wand and the steam wand which works fine. However, when I tried flushing water through the group head nothing came out. The pump turns on and water comes back into the reservoir from the OPV but not at the other end. Any tips on what to check or how to find what the problem might be? Alternatively, can someone recommend a coffee machine service technician in the southwest WA area that can repair this brand?

[sprezzatura]

So I've decided to upgrade from ye ol faithful Sunbeam EM6910 to an Expobar Office Control (I like to push buttons) and I received it yesterday. After following the instructions for a first start I flushed water through the hot water wand and the steam wand which works fine. However, when I tried flushing water through the group head nothing came out. The pump turns on and water comes back into the reservoir from the OPV but not at the other end. Any tips on what to check or how to find what the problem might be? Alternatively, can someone recommend a coffee machine service technician in the southwest WA area that can repair this brand?

Is the Office new?

[scrawny]

Is the Office new?

Yes... according to the seller anyway.

[sprezzatura]

Try turning the slot screw on the top of the OPV a half-turn clockwise.

[sprezzatura]

When you push one of the buttons do you hear a 'click' immediately?

[scrawny]

When you push one of the buttons do you hear a 'click' immediately?

Yes, there's definitely a click... And tried adjusting the OPV.

[sprezzatura]

Sounds like an obstruction. Sometimes chemical or scale plugs the solenoid valve under the group. If you're handy you can remove it. The centre hole in the base of the solenoid valve will usually be the culprit.

[sprezzatura]

The machine needs to be off, unplugged and desteamed.

[scrawny]

Sounds like an obstruction. Sometimes chemical or scale plugs the solenoid valve

Will take a look in a couple of hours when the house wakes up then. Thankyou.

[sprezzatura]

I'll find an image for you.

[sprezzatura]

Internet image. Group solenoid valve and coil in centre.

[scrawny]

Ok... so I took the solenoid off and it looks brand new. Couldn't find any obstructions except for what appears to be some chunks of thread tape. Anyway, after reassembling the solenoid valve, I just ran some cold water through the pump and it worked. Just heating up the machine now for another trial. Fingers crossed.

[scrawny]

I think that's done it! Thanks sprez for the tip. I'm so happy right now. But wow this machine is powerful. I think this triple hole steam tip needs to be changed for a single. It's heating up my milk too fast.

I'll be jacked up on coffee over the next few days trying to get it right and get used to this beast.

[sprezzatura]

Nice work, Mr. Tech! Enjoy ☕️